I've almost always worn my hair short. It is of the length of the woman's in the Biolage ad to my left right now - maybe a little longer. Lately, I've been seeing more articles or comments and such on the web concerning women and short hair - mostly about men's opinions of women with short hair (read: Yahoo). I try not to pay attention, but it bothers me. I do know from experience that it's not a stereotype but has proven true for the most part.

I know all the natural reasons for longer hair = more attractive, but is short hair really that much of a turnoff? I think my hair suits me best at b/w chin and shoulder length, but it grows fast. I get compliments on it the longer it gets. When I cut it back to my preferred length, I see people take notice but no one says anything. When I wear it curly and short (which is rare b/c henna has relaxed a lot of my curl), I see people study it in a negative way lol. I'm not sure if it's because of the curl itself or the curl makes it look much shorter.

Black women strangely enough always compliment my hair when it's short and curly. I think they think I am part black because of my hair texture and I have fairly dark skin for a white person. Everyone else looks at me like I have a flying saucer on my head.

I guess I feel like saying what's the big deal? I'm low maintenance - I don't put a lot into my appearance and feel uncomfortable when people pay close attention though I guess that's life. I've moved into a different workplace so people don't focus as much on that stuff here though the articles stereotypes etc are everywhere. So, I will indulge it. If you've had long hair, and now have short hair or vice versa, do you notice a difference in how you're received?

It's fine if some people prefer longer hair, but others can be so rude about it.
I read some rude comments before saying: "Short hair isn't for women." or "It's not feminine enough."

It's almost like they're trying to control women by how they look. And we get this so much (too fat, too skinny, hair too long, hair too short, etc). As long as we're not hurting ourselves or each other, then why do they care? They need to mind their own business.

My hair isn't that long either. I remember when I cut my hair last year, I had to explain to everyone about how my hair was damaged from chemicals. Then they got all sad and told me how they wish I didn't cut my long hair off.

I plan on growing my hair longer. But not for other people. It's for me.

I think you should do what you want also. If you love your hair short, wear it short. Don't listen to negative comments from crazy people on Yahoo.

Another thing that bothers me about those people: They don't even know why some women have short hair. It could be for health reasons. Some people have trouble growing their hair. Others just like their hair short!

I posted this same thing on yahoo answers - why, I don't know. I regret asking anything there about 95% of the time. I got Answer 1. "I think short hair is chin length or above. Yours is to your shoulders so you're good. Don't worry about it." (Note: I never said my hair was shoulder length. I said it has been shoulder length. It's about an inch above my chin now.) Answer 2. Gross.

I posted this same thing on yahoo answers - why, I don't know. I regret asking anything there about 95% of the time. I got Answer 1. "I think short hair is chin length or above. Yours is to your shoulders so you're good. Don't worry about it." (Note: I never said my hair was shoulder length. I said it has been shoulder length. It's about an inch above my chin now.) Answer 2. Gross.

Originally Posted by NorahBugg

lol I feel the same way about Yahoo Answers. I stopped visiting that website months ago. Most people there are so ignorant.

Totally with you on this one. I don't get what some people's problem is!? And yep... men can be funny about it. Maybe they're insecure in themselves? Although some like it because they see it as daring and respect girls for going for it. And they realise it can actually highlight a pretty face! Having had quite long hair for about three years I really want to try short. A couple of friends were open minded about me having something other than long hair when I mentioned it. But a lot of people just seem confused if you say, as a female, that you actually WANT short hair. And they also don't seem to consider it's good for improving condition. I also think there is some bad advice out there at the mo with all these split end 'repair' products. I spent a long time pretending my spilt ends would go away and then realised I just had to cut them off. No one even noticed... lol

Personally, I think girls should try short at least once in life and guys should try long ('guy long') It's a bit of fun if nothing else and if you don't like it, a few months to a year and it's back (or if you're a guy just a trip to the barbers.)

About a year ago I was so annoyed with my hair I was considering buzzing it super short. The friends I mentioned even said I could pull that off and respected it was my decision too (not society's!) I have since found a routine that works for my hair and it's (we've) calmed down. But considering an extreme cut made me think... a bob ish length didn't seem such a big deal in comparision! The whacky side of me wanted to get an Emeli Sande/Rihanna inspired cut. Now I have settled on a bob that's shorter at back and has more length towards front. Just a case of plucking up courage and finally letting go of that last little bit of caring too much about what others think...! I know if I don't do it, I'll regret it.

To whirlyhair, your hair is lovely. Beautiful long but I imagine a bob length would look good too.

To demmeeule, I think you're right when you say people (mostly men...?) want to try and control how women look. I feel very strongly about this. Some are slim, some are curvier, some have long hair, some short - get OVER it. At the end of the day what's inside is the most important thing! But we may aswell have fun with our hair, right? Glad you're growing your hair for you and not for anyone else.

Prior to going natural, a short cut on me was a fantasy. When I did my BC, that was the first time i had short hair since I was 5.
Because of the attention given to my hair by others, I was nervous if what people would think. But once I looked in the mirror - I loved it. If you're thinking of doing it, try it once. Its hair and it will grow back. Do it for yourself, that's what I did. Let everybody else worry about their own.

That's a big reason why I have kept short hair for so long. Sometimes, I want to grow it out just for a change. But, I think of that challenge before me, and I end up not doing it. My hair so dry naturally plus I have to color it due to greying. It never seems to be in healthy shape so I keep it at least above my shoulders.